Kelly, a nine-year veteran, was waived by the Raiders in late-March in a cost-cutting move. The former Mississippi State lineman was set to carry a cap hit of $6.5 million for the 2013 season before his release. After recording 14.5 sacks from 2010 to 2011, Kelly’s sack total dipped to 1.0 last season.

“Tommy Kelly is one of the best defensive linemen in the league,” Patriots coach Bill Belichick said.